Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

The Vision Lab Choice Act of 2025 aims to improve health care coverage under vision plans by setting limits on contract lengths between vision plans and optometrists. This bill also prevents vision plans from mandating which labs or suppliers optometrists must use for patient care. Furthermore, it clarifies state authority to enforce these new federal standards regarding vision benefit plans.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from requiring firearms retailers to use a unique Merchant Category Code (MCC) that singles them out. This ensures that credit and debit card transactions for firearms and ammunition are treated the same as general retail purchases. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing this prohibition and reporting annually to Congress on compliance efforts.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the recent rule finalized by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) concerning overdraft lending practices at very large financial institutions. By passing this resolution, Congress is effectively vetoing and preventing the enforcement of that specific BCFP regulation.

The PELL Act of 2025 establishes the new Workforce Pell Grant to provide federal aid for short-term, high-demand workforce training programs. To qualify, these programs must be approved by the Governor and meet strict criteria regarding length, employer alignment, credentialing, and performance metrics. This new grant aims to support students pursuing credentials that lead directly to employment while ensuring credits are transferable to further education.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent rule aimed at closing the "Homework Gap" using the E-Rate Program. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is formally rejecting the FCC's specific plan to extend E-Rate funding for student home internet access. Consequently, the FCC's rule, published on November 29, 2024, will not take effect.

The Chip Security Act mandates the implementation of security mechanisms on advanced integrated circuit products before they are exported to protect U.S. national security interests. This requires the Secretary of Commerce to ensure chips include features verifying location and reporting unauthorized use or tampering. Furthermore, the Act calls for an assessment and potential rollout of secondary security features to enhance export control compliance and prevent misuse by adversaries. The goal is to maintain the U.S. competitive edge by securing sensitive hardware sent to allies and partners.

The Rein in the Federal Reserve Act mandates increased transparency and accountability for the Federal Reserve's major monetary policy operations, such as quantitative easing and emergency lending. This bill requires the Fed to submit detailed, public reports to Congress explaining the necessity, financial impact, and exit strategy for any new large-scale program. Furthermore, these major programs are automatically subject to Congressional review and are limited to one year unless explicitly extended by Congress.

The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act updates federal excise tax rules for imported sporting goods sold through online marketplaces. This legislation treats certain marketplace providers who facilitate overseas sales as the importer of record for tax purposes. This ensures that the existing excise tax is collected when goods are shipped directly to U.S. consumers via these platforms.

This bill mandates that the President must nominate and the Senate must confirm the Inspectors General for both the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB). This change brings the appointment process for these key oversight roles in line with other major federal agencies. The legislation also clarifies the authority of these Inspectors General over their respective organizations.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

The Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Commerce provide specialized training to its employees regarding human rights abuses, particularly forced labor in the Xinjiang region by the Chinese government. Furthermore, the Act requires the Department to issue guidance to U.S. businesses engaged in interstate commerce or foreign investment. This guidance must help companies identify and avoid risks associated with entities tied to these severe human rights violations.

The Insurance Data Protection Act aims to revise how federal agencies interact with insurance company data. This bill removes certain government subpoena powers and strengthens confidentiality protections when the Federal Insurance Office shares sensitive information. Furthermore, it limits the Office of Financial Research's ability to subpoena insurance companies directly and requires financial regulators to coordinate data collection to avoid duplication.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to raise national awareness about the critical need for personal finance education. It highlights current financial struggles, such as high household debt and lack of banking access, while emphasizing that financial education leads to better economic outcomes. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local entities to observe the month with programs promoting essential skills like budgeting, saving, and debt management.

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2025 expands eligibility for disaster assistance under the NAP. This legislation removes the previous exception that excluded certain crops and grasses used for grazing from receiving aid. Consequently, grazing crops will now be treated equally with other crops when seeking disaster relief through the program.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2025 updates federal law to allow meat and poultry inspected under approved state programs to be sold across state lines. This legislation grants the Secretary authority to permit interstate commerce for these state-inspected products. Furthermore, it prevents individual states or localities from blocking the entry or sale of products already deemed compliant for interstate commerce.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulation. By disapproving the rule, Congress immediately cancels the EPA's submission, preventing it from taking legal effect. This action effectively rejects the EPA's attempt to implement those specific California standards.